Continue the tradition and give to a cause: Holiday Sunshine Fund begins

Since 1978, The Greenville News has been dedicated to assisting families in need through the Holiday Sunshine Fund.

In that time, the annual campaign has collected and distributed $1.65 million. The campaign raises money for local organizations and agencies focused on bettering the quality of life for those who need it most during the holiday season.

Thanksgiving Day kicks off the 40th anniversary of the Holiday Sunshine Fund. This is the 12th year The News has partnered with WYFF 4, and the Asheville Citizen-Times joined the partnership in 2014.

“Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina have a great variety of wonderful holiday traditions,” said Tom Claybaugh, publisher of The Greenville News and Asheville Citizen-Times. “Over the last 39 years, many of our readers have started their holiday season by giving to the Holiday Sunshine Fund. We are confident that once again this year, our readers will give generously to the Holiday Sunshine Fund to support those less fortunate and help make a difference in our community.”

Organizers are looking to top $100,000 for a third year in the campaign's history and came within reach last year with contributions totaling $93,345.

All Greenville donations are given to Greenville agencies and all Asheville donations stay in Asheville.

The campaign runs through Dec. 31, and all funds raised are distributed to local charities. To make donations and for agencies to request funds, visit www.holidaysunshinefund.org. Donations can also be mailed to Holiday Sunshine Fund, PO Box 1688, Greenville, SC 29602.

An on-air telethon is scheduled for 4-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 on WYFF 4.

“WYFF 4 is proud to partner again this year with The Greenville News for the Holiday Sunshine Fund,” John Humphries, WYFF 4 president and general manager, said. “It’s a long-standing yearly tradition that we love here at WYFF 4. The Holiday Sunshine Fund is such a worthy cause because donations go directly to organizations that help families right here in our community. I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to help others by giving to the Holiday Sunshine Fund."